What is a Private ADHD Assessment?
A private ADHD assessment is an appointment with a clinician who has experience in the field. They will review your psychiatric history and examine how ADHD symptoms can impact different aspects of your daily life.
Only UK licensed psychiatrists or specialist ADHD nurses are able to officially diagnose ADHD. You can still get an assessment from a qualified healthcare professional'. Psychologists are among them.
What to expect
During the private ADHD assessment the psychiatrist consultant will talk to you (or your child should it be an ADHD assessment for children) about your symptoms and how you behave over time. They may also request you to fill out questionnaires and rate your behavior on various scales. They will ask you about your family history, lifestyle, and your environment.
The appointment lasts for 90 minutes, and can be conducted in person or by video calls. Bring any relevant documents, including records of school or work performance and medication details. You should also wear comfortable clothing and no jewellery for the test as it can require physical tests.
You'll be asked about your health and family history as well as about any issues you've faced at work or in school. The psychiatrist consultant will also examine your medical records, and any other information that they have on your child or yourself. They'll also review the results of any questionnaires or rating scales you've completed, as well as their own observations.
Based on the results of your assessment, you'll be given a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD and given treatment options. In some cases this will be medication, and in others, CBT therapy. They will discuss your needs and come up with the best treatment plan. Once they have agreed on a treatment plan they will refer you to your GP under a shared-care arrangement.
It's crucial to realize that a diagnosis from a professional can make you feel more confident in your abilities and improve relationships with your family and friends. It can also ease feelings of shame and guilt since it allows you to recognize that the symptoms you experience are caused by a neurological condition rather than an indication of a lack of character or failure.
It is important to keep in mind that ADHD is a real disorder that affects millions of people around the world. While it may affect some parts of life, individuals with ADHD often go on to accomplish great things. Some of them include celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Solange Knowles and Will.i.am, Oscar Winner Michael Phelps and businesspeople like Paris Hilton and Walt Disney.
Getting a diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis is the first step towards getting help for ADHD. You will be able to stop blaming yourself for the problems you are having and realize that your ADHD is the root of your issues. You'll also be able find ways to manage your symptoms and regain some control over areas of your life that have been problematic for quite some time.
During the evaluation during the assessment, you will be asked questions about how you've been affected by your symptoms as a child and as an adult. You will be given questionnaires in advance to fill out. This will enable you to consider your issues and provide the psychiatrist with an abundance of information, helping them to diagnose your ADHD symptoms in a precise manner.
You must be honest and not hold back from answering the questions in fear of criticism or shame. This is because a psychiatrist has to know the full extent of your issues in order to properly assess you for ADHD. It is essential to stay clear of being diagnosed with any other disorder. Depression, anxiety and other disorders can mimic ADHD and could cause serious harm to your health.
The professionals who will perform the diagnosis are typically GMC registered consultant Psychiatrists. adhd assessment private have a vast amount of experience in the assessment of adults for ADHD and will be able to identify other disorders that could cause your issues. This is called differential diagnosis and is a standard aspect of the process.
If the psychiatrist feels that you don't meet the requirements for ADHD, they will explain the reason. It could be because they believe that you don't provide enough information about your problems or that another disorder explains your symptoms better than ADHD. You don't have to accept the diagnosis if it's not what you are looking for. You may seek a second opinion with a different expert if you are not satisfied with.
Treatment options
In many cases, once a person has been assessed they will be offered a treatment plan to help manage their symptoms. It is usually a combination of medication and specialist coaching. This will help improve their overall wellbeing and enable them to realize their full potential. This is a great alternative to the long NHS waiting list.
It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a chronic disorder and should not be treated as such. If left untreated, those with ADHD might have issues at work, home, and in their relationships. Symptoms such as poor organisation as well as difficulty in staying focused and staying on task, as well as being easily distracted can cause problems in all aspects of their lives.
Most of the time, when adults are diagnosed with ADHD they will also have an history of mental health issues. These can include depression and bipolar disorder. These conditions can enhance the effects of ADHD and cause it to be harder to manage. The symptoms can also get worse if a setback occurs, e.g. losing a job or experiencing relationship problems.
When a person is being assessed, their psychiatrist will need to look at the way that the symptoms of ADHD have affected them throughout the course of their lives. This will involve questionnaires and rating scales. They might also wish to talk about how the symptoms have affected their family and acquaintances.
The examination typically lasts between 45 and 90 minute. The psychiatrist will talk about the symptoms being experienced and review a list of possible causes. The psychiatrist will then come up with a diagnosis.
If the psychiatrist believes that the symptoms are due to an underlying medical condition, they will send the patient to further medical tests. Depending on the results of these tests test, the psychiatrist will decide what treatment options are available to them.
It is important to note that private healthcare professionals share the same responsibilities as those working in the NHS. This means that the services they offer must still adhere to the guidelines set out by NICE. Patients should consult their GPs to determine whether they require a referral letter to go for an assessment. Or, they can contact a private specialist such as Priory to schedule the assessment for themselves.
Aftercare
A private ADHD assessment offers clear advice and expert guidance so you can select the appropriate treatment options that fit your needs, lifestyle and preferences. It is a process that can take up to two hours or more to discuss your treatment options and may require several sessions with a psychiatrist.
You can access an adult ADHD assessment through the NHS however, you need an appointment letter from your GP. Some private providers do not require this, but it is important to confirm this prior to making an appointment.
The first stage of the private assessment process is to complete an assessment of your mental health that includes questions regarding your symptoms and family history, prior treatments, and any other mental health issues that you might have. The private assessment process may also include a test for cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). This is a form of therapy that helps you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors. It is especially beneficial for adults with ADHD.
Once the questionnaire is completed, the Consultant Psychiatrist will go over the results of the questionnaire, school reports, any other evidence that you have provided, and conduct an interview with you. You must be honest and truthful, as this will affect the outcome of your private assessment.
If the psychiatrist concludes that you don't have ADHD, they will explain the reasons for their decision and inform you if you can get an agreement for shared care of medication (so that you pay only for the NHS prescription fee) or if you're able to be referred to another psychiatrist. It's not uncommon to find that your symptoms are due to other conditions, like PTSD or autism, so it is important that you get a full mental health screening.
It is crucial to ensure the private healthcare provider who conducts your examination follows the guidelines for clinical practice established by NICE. This is particularly crucial when it comes to assessing people suffering from ADHD who are difficult to diagnose and treat effectively. If you're looking for the best service, make sure that the healthcare professional you're working with is experienced in treating adults with ADHD and is a registered GMC psychiatrist or ADHD specialist nurse.